I got started in this hobby as most of us did, as a kid. When I was around 11 years old, I was able to buy a 4-6-2 Pacific from Mantua at a garage sale. My parents bought me another used 4-6-2 Pacific just a few days later, also a Mantua. The garage sale Pacific didnt run and the Pacific my parents bought, but not very well. I (as most young kids would do) tore both apart in an attempt to fix them. Upon realizing that I had no idea how to fix them, I put them together again and now.... neither worked. After 20 some years, I pulled them out of the boxes yesterday... spent the afternoon cleaning, re-soldering, and investigating polarities. The end result, I got both of them running! Kind of felt good. Although, I realized they both ran better without the headlight. Upon investigation, I found the headlights in both units were taking up about 2 to 3 volts. I left the headlight mount and wiring in place, but removed the headlight from both units. Both units now run fairly well. Just thought I'd share this. Feelingproductive. Rich.
That's an interesting story. I don't know of many who would keep a non-running loco, let alone two, for so long. Hope you'll get some good use out of those steamers now! Boxcab E50
For an up-date on Mantua go to www.modelpower.com the successor to mantua and click on Mantua classics
Yeah, your probably right. Its more of a timing thing than anything else. Soon after I got the steamers, couldnt get them to run and put them back into the box... it was high school time, cars/trucks, and athletics that kept me busy. Then college, marriage, kids etc. Its been a long while since Ive been able to get back into the hobby. Theres a lot Ive missed and much I need to catch up on. Rich.
My problem has been that when i needed money, my trains were always the first things to go. Lost a lot of really neat things over the years to the need for paying bills. Funny how my ex never thought to sell her piano or sewing machine to provide funds... Funny how it never occured to me to be bothered by that! curt
If my family was in financial trouble, I would do what I had to. If that means selling off my hobbies, so be it. Family is first. But it better be a financial crisis! On the brite side of that, selling off your trains to help pay the bills gives you chance to start new when the finances allow for it. Rich
